Scoping health literacy in Latin America.

Studies evaluating the influence of health literacy on patient behavior and outcomes suggest a positive relationship between health literacy and health knowledge, health behaviors, and health status. In Latin American countries, studies assessing health literacy are few, regional, and demonstrate considerable variation, with reported rates of adequate health literacy ranging from 5.0% to 73.3%. In this paper, we examine and explore the state of health literacy and efforts to promote it in Latin America. Key challenges to those efforts include socioeconomic inequality, social/geographic isolation, and cultural-, language-, and policy-related barriers, many of which disproportionately affect indigenous populations and others living in rural areas. Greater use of infographics, videos, and mobile apps may enhance health literacy and patient empowerment, especially when language barriers exist. This paper provides strategies and tools for tailored programming, examples of successful health literacy interventions, and policy recommendations to improve health literacy in Latin America, intending to spur additional discussion and action. Centrally organized collaboration across multiple sectors of society, with community involvement, will enhance health literacy and improve health and well-being across Latin America.

Quality of cancer care in Spain: recommendations of a patients' jury.

The aim of the study was to evaluate quality of cancer care in Spain through patient's views, experiences and perceptions; with the purpose of making recommendations to improve cancer care. A modified citizen's jury was organised with the participation of 30 members and four experts as witnesses. For 1 day jurors representing 13 of 17 Spanish Autonomous Communities were met to make recommendations for improving the quality of cancer care in Spain. Concerns were identified regarding care fragmentation, test delays, duplications and poor social and emotional support. Some recommendations highlighted the need to improve the access to psycho-oncology care as well as support in social care and counselling, addressing patients to specific care. Some strategies proposed by the jury included a 24-h call centre, continuity in palliative care and appropriate follow-up and support after the end of therapy. In conclusion, the experience of cancer should include access to multiple specialists, effective coordination of care, accurate information about the disease and treatment options, and timely attention to symptoms and psychosocial needs.

Double pylorus: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Double pylorus is a rare condition consisting of a double communication between gastric antrum and duodenal bulb; in most cases it is a complication of penetrating ulcer, sometimes it is a congenital abnormality. The prevalence of this rare anomaly ranges from 0.02% to 0.13%; the male:female ratio is about 2:1. Two cases of acquired double pylorus are reported with a review of the literature. The first case represented an occasional report; in the other one the development of double pylorus from confluent prepiloric and bulbar ulcers was documented through serial endoscopies. Both patients were affected with chronic renal failure and referred previous treatment with diclofenac; however, their relationship with double pylorus onset remains unproven.

[Recurrent anorectal abscesses]. / Gli ascessi anorettali recidivi.

A study of 78 patients with recurrent anorectal abscess was carried out to elucidate the cause of recurrence. The inadequate treatment (incision and drainage) and the spontaneous rupture or resolution of the abscess with no further treatment were the most common reasons for recurrence. At surgery, 18 patients were found to have recurrent hidradenitis suppurativa. The authors recommend a careful regional exploration under anesthesia and an aggressive surgical approach to achieve satisfactory results and to ensure minimal, if any recurrence.